Europe: Magnetic Card Market 2024

Magnetic Card Market Size in Europe

In 2021, the Europe magnetic card market increased by 10% to $X for the first time since 2017, thus ending a three-year declining trend. Overall, consumption, however, showed a deep reduction. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Magnetic Card Production in Europe

In value terms, magnetic card production surged to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, continues to indicate a drastic downturn. The level of production peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Magnetic Card Exports

Exports in Europe

In 2021, overseas shipments of cards incorporating a magnetic stripe decreased by -16.1% to X units, falling for the third consecutive year after three years of growth. Over the period under review, exports showed a deep setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 16%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at X units in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, magnetic card exports soared to $X in 2021. In general, exports continue to indicate a deep downturn. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

The UK (X units) and Germany (X units) were the major exporters of cards incorporating a magnetic stripe in 2021, finishing at approx. 30% and 25% of total exports, respectively. It was distantly followed by Switzerland (X units), France (X units) and Spain (X units), together generating a 22% share of total exports. Poland (X units), Italy (X units), the Netherlands (X units), Sweden (X units), Russia (X units), Portugal (X units) and Austria (X units) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the leading exporting countries, was attained by the Netherlands (with a CAGR of +23.1%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the UK ($X) remains the largest magnetic card supplier in Europe, comprising 31% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Portugal ($X), with a 13% share of total exports. It was followed by France, with a 13% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in the UK totaled -5.3%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Portugal (+26.1% per year) and France (-1.1% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Europe amounted to $X per unit, increasing by 39% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price posted notable growth. As a result, the export price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Portugal ($X per unit), while Switzerland (less than $X per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Portugal (+13.7%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Magnetic Card Imports

Imports in Europe

In 2021, purchases abroad of cards incorporating a magnetic stripe decreased by -15.4% to X units, falling for the third year in a row after two years of growth. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a abrupt decline. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 19%. The volume of import peaked at X units in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, magnetic card imports shrank to $X in 2021. In general, imports continue to indicate a deep downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when imports increased by 17%. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

The purchases of the twelve major importers of cards incorporating a magnetic stripe, namely Russia, Sweden, France, Spain, Austria, Germany, the UK, Norway, Ireland, Luxembourg, Hungary and Poland, represented more than two-thirds of total import. Italy (X units) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the leading importing countries, was attained by Hungary (with a CAGR of +34.9%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest magnetic card importing markets in Europe were Sweden ($X), France ($X) and Norway ($X), with a combined 29% share of total imports. These countries were followed by the UK, Spain, Poland, Italy, Ireland, Germany, Russia, Luxembourg, Austria and Hungary, which together accounted for a further 35%.

Among the main importing countries, Hungary, with a CAGR of +25.1%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Europe amounted to $X per unit, rising by 11% against the previous year. Over the last nine-year period, it increased at an average annual rate of +3.0%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when the import price increased by 29% against the previous year. The level of import peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Poland ($X per unit), while Russia ($X per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Sweden (+11.2%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform